Goethe-Institut closes in Russia as Moscow expels last German cultural institution

Moscow has ordered the closure of the Goethe-Institut, the last major German cultural institution operating in Russia, with all operations ceasing by September 13. This marks the culmination of a broader Russian crackdown on foreign cultural and educational organizations since the invasion of Ukraine. The move signals further deterioration in German-Russian bilateral relations and a tightening of state control over international civil society presence.